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sciencegeek8 sciencegeek8
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9 years ago
Muscle stimulants are used to treat certain muscle diseases that are characterized by muscle weakness  (decreased contraction of the muscle).  Which of the two chemicals described below would be a good skeletal muscle stimulant?

Chemical A: binds to and blocks the action of acetylcholinesterase
Chemical B: binds to and prevents the channels on the SR from opening

Explain why each chemical is/is not a good stimulant.
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Staff Member
2 hours ago
Let’s evaluate each chemical in terms of its potential as a skeletal muscle stimulant:

Chemical A: Binds to and blocks the action of acetylcholinesterase
Explanation: Acetylcholinesterase is an enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that stimulates muscle contraction. By blocking acetylcholinesterase, Chemical A would prevent the breakdown of acetylcholine, leading to an increased concentration of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction.
Effect: This would enhance muscle contraction because acetylcholine would continue to stimulate the muscle fibers.
Conclusion: Chemical A is a good skeletal muscle stimulant because it increases the availability of acetylcholine, thereby promoting muscle contraction.

Chemical B: Binds to and prevents the channels on the SR from opening
Explanation: The sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) stores calcium ions, which are essential for muscle contraction. When these channels open, calcium is released into the muscle fibers, triggering contraction. By preventing these channels from opening, Chemical B would inhibit the release of calcium.
Effect: This would reduce muscle contraction because calcium is necessary for the interaction between actin and myosin, the proteins responsible for muscle contraction.
Conclusion: Chemical B is not a good skeletal muscle stimulant because it inhibits the release of calcium, which is crucial for muscle contraction.

In summary, Chemical A would be a good skeletal muscle stimulant, while Chemical B would not.

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